We kill animals to eat, and have since before we were humans. We kill animals to defend ourselves. We sometimes rely on animals to do dangerous things to help us out. But, I believe killing animals purely for sport, or causing unnecessary suffering when meeting other needs devalues humanity. Combining the two is particularly repugnant. For that matter few animals kill others for reasons beyond survival, so it generally devalues our place as living creatures. The intentional infliction of pain for amusement on creatures, particularly a creature like a dog that can be more loyal, loving and supportive than many humans is disgusting.
If I had to choose between the life of my dog and a stranger, I would do the right thing. I would probably regret that though, as long as I lived. There are plenty of sociopaths who come up well short of a Jeffery Dahmer who would lose that contest if I knew their background. For example, con men who defraud the elderly -- buh by!
If I had to choose between leaving my dog during a "Katrina" for personal safety (with the assumption that the rest of my family would make it to safety regardless) I would not leave my dog. I know that for a fact. Owning an animal carries with it certain responsibilities, but that's not even the issue. I know my dog wouldn't leave me.
Here's an example of tremendous government waste where dogs are concerned. Worth every penny IMO, and better than we have done in the past.
These days, he's trying to move beyond memories of the Ramadi explosion, which killed dozens of people, including his best friend, fellow handler Adam Cann. One image still inspires him, though: the sight of Cann's wounded dog stretched over his body, as if to protect him.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/LIVING/08/13/war.dogs.ap/index.html
Charon
